Cattolica

On the border
between Romagna and the Marches, nestling around a natural bay at the foot of
Mount San Bartolo, Cattolica boasts an age-old
tradition of hospitality. This
capacity for making people feel welcome was developed in the nineteenth century
when well-to-do families from Emilia built themselves small villas in the area
for their seaside holidays. The vocation was definitely confirmed after the
World War II with the building of many hotels which today make the resort one
of the most popular centres on the Riviera of Romagna.It is called
the Queen of the Adriatic and on
careful appraisal reveals elegance and
refinement as a short walk around the tree-lined streets and squares of the
town centre will confirm. They are places designed for socializing, enjoyment
and getting the best out of life. Shops, boutiques, coffee bars, and ice-cream
parlours welcome and accompany visitors walking through this open-air salon,
from the Town Hall in Piazza Roosevelt to Piazza
Primo Maggio overlooking the sea. Piazza Primo
Maggio, also known as the Square of the
Dancing Fountains is the beating heart of the township. An important
renovation project planned at the end of the eighties, has given the square its
present appearance – that of an inviting open-air meeting place characterized
by beautiful fountains and gardens decorating the perimeter. Both during the
daytime and in the evening guests are fascinated by the impressive choreography of the dancing columns and jets of water in
time to music.Piazza della
Repubblica is nearby, south of the centre where the Polivalent Cultural Centre
is located. It includes a library, a media library and the Teatro della Regina (Queen’s Theatre). In winter months the
theatre puts on a rich programme of events
and shows, whereas in summer these events take place in the adjacent Arena della Regina.In the Museo della Regina (Queen’s Museum)
evidence of Cattolica’s long-standing seafaring
tradition is found along with Roman remains testifying to the origins of
the town. The area around the port has been improved by the
attractive new harbour area
dedicated to tourism and surrounded by shops and night clubs. With the Aquarium at the Le Navi Park the town
offers a further opportunity: an exciting trip into the depths of the sea.